KAYAK status

Launched in 2004 by former Orbitz executives, Kayak revolutionized online travel planning as one of the first comprehensive metasearch engines. The platform scans hundreds of travel sites—including airlines, hotel chains, and OTAs—to find the best deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars without adding booking fees. Kayak's strength lies in its flexible search tools, like "Explore" for destination inspiration based on budget and "Price Forecast" that advises when to buy. Its clean interface displays results in comparable grids, while the mobile app adds features like fare alerts and trip management. Now owned by Booking Holdings but operating independently, Kayak has expanded into business travel (via KAYAK for Business) and trip planning (with Hacker Fares combining separate airline tickets). By delivering transparent price comparisons across the web, it remains a trusted first stop for savvy travelers.